Palmetto Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Program
Clinton, South Carolina
Palmetto Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Program (PET) is a nonprofit in Clinton, South Carolina, that offers education and recreation in horsemanship for children and adults with cognitive, physical, social or emotional needs. Its main program is small-group therapeutic riding and horsemanship lessons at the barn, for ages three to adulthood. According to its website, the program is run under Christ-directed leadership.
- Small-group therapeutic horsemanship lessons
- Therapeutic horsemanship for special education classes
- Group team-building sessions
- Traveling therapy sessions with miniature horses
- Children from age three, teens and adults
- People with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD or developmental delay
- People with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis
- People with seizure disorders, stroke or visual impairment
- People with learning or emotional disabilities, or sensory integration issues
- Local special education classes
- Nursing and retirement homes
- Local clubs, teams and businesses
More about this center
About the Program
Lessons take place at the barn in groups of two or three riders. Each session lasts one hour and includes activities on the ground and in the saddle, planned around the group's needs.
PET also partners with local special education teachers to offer therapeutic horsemanship to their classes, with goals that include physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills and work skills built through volunteering. Team-building sessions for clubs, teams and businesses use horsemanship activities to work on self-awareness and conflict management. With its miniature horses, the program also offers on-site sessions, including petting and grooming, for special education classes and nursing or retirement homes.
The Horses and Staff
The Meet the Animals page lists 12 animals by name, including Ladybug, Dakota, Cody, Oreo and Buttercup. Leigh Anne Waters is president and program coordinator. Her bio describes her as a special education teacher and a certified therapeutic riding instructor. Reed Edwards is the trainer, and Casey Spain, also a special education teacher, handles special education relations.
Volunteering
Volunteers groom and tack horses, lead horses or side walk with riders, and untack and turn out horses after lessons. No horse experience is needed, but all volunteers complete a training before helping in lessons. To start, review the Volunteer Guide on the website and mail the Volunteer Packet to PO Box 71, Clinton, SC 29325, or contact the program to set up a meeting.
Location
The program's address is 4000 Hurricane Church Rd, Clinton, SC 29325, and its mailing address is PO Box 71, Clinton, SC 29325. It serves people living in Clinton and the surrounding communities.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for lessons?
Complete the Therapy Rider Packet from the Client Information page and mail it to PO Box 71, Clinton, SC 29325, or contact the program to schedule a meeting.
What ages does the program serve?
Lessons are open to riders from age three through adulthood with cognitive, physical, social or emotional needs.
When are lessons held?
Lessons run in seasonal sessions. Contact the program at (864) 923-4998 or petprogram@bellsouth.net for current session dates.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (864) 923-4998 or email petprogram@bellsouth.net to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
Location
Clinton, South Carolina 29325
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.